Video Camera Car Mounts

[tonyhetherington]

Hi all

Got a new video camera...Sony DCR-HC42. Will be doing alot of filming when I get my forthcoming car (looking likely to be an S2 Elise at the moment). Thought to myself that as I'm passengering in Rob's 996 next week in MiniHoon, I'll have a look now at some mounts as, if he wanted me to, we could attach the camera to his car for some of MiniHoon.

Anyway, I know a few of you out there have different types of mounts, and I wanted to know your thoughts. Ideally I'd like the sort of mount that shows driver steering (and pedals if poss), as well as road ahead...so mounted somewhere in middle of seats. Something like this...www.b-hague.co.uk/Mounting%20Brackets.htm

Did see this on e-bay though..it's a bit too expensive for what I wanted to pay, but thought I'd show it anyway http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=21165&item=7505093381&rd=1

I've seen a few of you with windscreen mounted ones that work very well, but my only worry with that is you see none of the car. (i.e. you just look through window).

So, appreciate advice and thoughts...especially with respect to the S2 Elise, but in general as well.

Thanks all
Tony

>>> Edited by tonyhetherington on Thursday 7th April 12:51

[bad_roo]

Tony

I've got some of the b-hague stuff and it's good quality gear. Hama make a windscreen mounting cradle with suction cup that's good value but you won't see a lot of the vehicle. The problem is that you'll need a very wide angle lens in order to focus on the driver and get a decent view out of the car. Unless the camera is facing straight forward, you get a very unpleasant (and slightly nauseating) effect when watching the video on playback. You're forever trying to peek around the edge of thhe screen!

In a car without rear seats, such a as an Elise, this is obviously going top be problematic. Because you have a canvas roof, you'll be unable to suction mount a camera to the roof panel. I'd suggest the following. Check to see if it's possible to clamp to the back of your roof (taking car not to deform the fibreglass or rubber seals). If you have a roll cage, perfect. Then mount another camcorder in the passenger cell aimed at you/fascia and edit them together with picture in picture or cut scene. If you've seen the Elise vs Corvette footage from the Nurburgring you'll see how effective this technique can be.

>> Edited by bad_roo on Thursday 7th April 14:07

[tonyhetherington]

Thanks very much for the reply! I think I understand the problem you are mentioning, with regards to not having the camera straight on.

If you say that equipment is of good quality, I will take a look furthermore through their site and see what other options are open to me...though I do like the sounds of what you mentioned (so long as I don't crunch the roof!)

Many thanks!
Tony

[oggs]

Tony i have this BHague one

If you wanna borrow it for mini hoon

[tonyhetherington]

You, you bloody diamond, have mail

[oggs]

tonyhetherington said:

You, you bloody diamond, have mail

No worries send over your details

I would of replied to the email but for some reason it send mails

[tonyhetherington]

sent you a text, matey!
Thanks!

[Alicatt]

Looking at the B-H website linked above I use a Manfrotto clamp and ball swivel like the UC on that page, I use it with a D8 Sony camcorder and has given me great service over the past 5 years.